Jazz has a rich history and keeps evolving. This dance style continually develops alongside modern music.
- Jazz music and dance originate from the movements and rhythm of African slaves brought to America in the early 1800s. African dancers are known for their earthy dance style and for using their whole body as a means of expression. Jazz dance moves include bent knees and pulsating bodies emphasized by isolated movements and handclapping. You will see a lot of rib cage isolations and hip movements in classes today.
- Jazz originally referred to any movements performed to jazz music but has since evolved into a unique dance discipline. Several dance styles such as the Charleston, jitterbug, twist, and disco have incorporated jazz movements. You can also catch jazz movements in modern dancing, modern ballet, and even on Broadway.
- Jazz is one of the newest forms of dance, but it is a foundational staple of dance classes today. Based on this style’s origin as a social dance, the jazz scene decreased in popularity with the demise of dance and jazz clubs in the 1940s, re-emerging a decade later and roaring to the front of theatrical stages.
At Royal Existence, our instructors will give you a taste of all difference eras of jazz dance. All our jazz teachers are trained in International Dance Technique and follow the syllabus to give our students strong jazz foundations.